University Alliance response to HEPI’s study on removing student number controls

We need to set out a longer-term plan for solving the problem and creating a sustainable higher education system that is able to grow and meet the demands of a changing, global economy.

In response to the study published by HEPI into removing student number controls in Australia – and what it could mean for England, Professor Steve West, Chair of University Alliance, said:

“This is an incredibly important piece to be thrown into the HE debate mix. We have always felt that when developing higher education policy in the UK we should take into account the lessons learnt from other countries, in particular Australia where many parallels can be drawn.

“What this report helpfully identifies is that a lot of time and thought went into making the policy and funding framework work before the student number cap was removed in Australia. This is not the case in the UK, where we have the political will to remove the cap on student numbers but a funding system that is not affordable. We need to set out a longer-term plan for solving the problem and creating a sustainable higher education system that is able to grow and meet the demands of a changing, global economy.

“The UK needs to ensure it is able to grow the graduate population, as our global competitors continue to do, and to encourage talent from right across society. A degree is still one of the best options for those wanting strong and secure earnings and satisfaction from their careers.”